When my former spouse’s grandfather, a self-made millionaire, offered financial help, I surprised everyone by declining the money. Instead, I asked for something far more valuable: time. I wanted my children to truly know their great-grandfather, not just benefit from his wealth.
That choice led to a summer at his lake house in Minnesota—a season filled with fishing at sunrise, late-night talks about life, and lessons no amount of money could buy. He taught the kids patience, gratitude, faith, and resilience, sharing stories from his past and skills passed down through generations. Those quiet days built deep bonds and lasting memories.
Midway through the summer, relatives arrived focused on inheritance and luxury. Their priorities stood in stark contrast to the simple, meaningful life we were living. When Orville later faced health issues, it was the children’s care and compassion—not money—that mattered most.
After his passing, his will reflected his values. Most of his fortune went to charity and veterans’ causes. The children received personal letters and a small coin collection—gifts rich in meaning, not price.
Years later, that summer still shapes their lives, influencing their values, careers, and commitment to giving back. Orville taught us that true wealth isn’t money—it’s time, connection, and the legacy of kindness we leave behind.